| Inversions, such as headstand (Sirsasana) and shoulder | | | | posture where she is in a full inversion. There is also a |
| stand (Sarvangasana), are often considered "royal" | | | | fair amount of risk any time she puts her head below |
| poses by Hatha Yoga practitioners. Some students | | | | heart level, whether it is a forward fold or a back bend, |
| and teachers consider inversions to be of the utmost | | | | such as wheel pose. |
| importance in their personal Hatha Yoga practice. | | | | Here's why: Strokes can occur for a variety of |
| While there are many benefits from inversions, | | | | reasons. Among these causes - Blood clots, broken |
| students with pre-existing medical conditions, are put at | | | | off pieces of artery plaque, and other masses, are |
| risk unnecessarily. When we have no health problems, | | | | commonly related causes of strokes. Once there is a |
| it is easy to put issues of risk and contraindications | | | | blockage of blood to the brain, you have a stroke, due |
| aside, but Yoga teachers and students should do their | | | | to the lack of oxygen and nutrients getting to the brain. |
| research. | | | | Unfortunately, your student has a pre-existing medical |
| In the case of students who have a history of strokes, | | | | condition. I wouldn't turn a student upside down, who |
| within their family, or who have previously had a stroke, | | | | was in any risk category related to an inverted |
| the approach to inversions should be "Extreme | | | | posture. I know this sounds harsh, but I doubt your |
| Caution." Below is a question and answer session | | | | student has her "doctor's consent." You may want to |
| regarding the safety measures, contraindications, and | | | | insist on it. A "doctor's note" would be advisable. |
| information that should be readily available for Yoga | | | | This is for her protection, as well as yours. In her case, |
| teachers and students alike. | | | | we are concerned with her health, safety, and well |
| Q: I have a new student who had a stroke in the past | | | | being. In your case - if she is injured, due to participating |
| year. I keep hearing cautions and contraindications | | | | in your class, you have to live with it; and any resulting |
| about "recent strokes." How recent, is recent? What | | | | lawsuit could test the limits of your liability insurance. |
| should I know about helping her into wheel pose | | | | For the record: Other contraindications, for inverted |
| (Chakrasana), preparation for headstand, shoulder | | | | Yoga postures, include epilepsy, heart conditions, neck |
| stand, or any other inversions? | | | | injuries, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and other eye |
| A: About inversions for students who are at risk, with | | | | problems. There is also significant debate about |
| pre-existing medical conditions, such as strokes: I would | | | | whether a student should pursue full inversions during |
| not advise them, whether the stroke was recent, or | | | | menstruation and pregnancy. In all of these cases, the |
| not. | | | | advice of a physician should be sought. |
| This person is at extreme risk when performing any | | | | |